Murphy welcomes changes to Fuel Allowance allocation

Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon-Galway, Eugene Murphy, has welcomed the announcement that those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance will now be given the option to receive it in two lump sum payments.

This new move will grant recipients two lump sums of €292.50 during the year, replacing the weekly payment system.

“This initiative will help those who wish to buy fuel in bulk, thereby potentially securing discount offers,” Deputy Murphy said.

“It is essential that the Government do all they can to address fuel poverty. According to Age Action, 7.5 per cent of all pensioner households suffer fuel poverty and between 1,500 and 2,000 people die annually in Ireland from cold-related illnesses, such as respiratory and cardiovascular illness, because they can’t afford to sufficiently heat their homes.

“This is a small but welcome step by the Department. However, it is clear that people continue to suffer from the harsh and punitive measures introduced by Fine Gael during the last Government. More needs to be done to address fuel poverty and poverty in general. For too many people there is still no recovery.”